Redhawks will send four gymnasts to regional

Despite a dazzling year, the Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team missed out on a regional berth.

And by the slimmest of margins.

The top 36 squads in the final regular-season national rankings released Monday qualify for regionals.

Southeast is ranked 37th with an average score of 194.565. Maryland and New Hampshire, tied for 35th, have an average score of 194.625.

The Redhawks didn't make the cut despite going 14-3 overall, 11-0 in the Midwest Independent Conference and winning Saturday's MIC meet title for the first time in more than a decade.

"While we're disappointed that we ended up .06 from a team berth, we realize that we had a great regular season," said Southeast coach Tom Farden, who led the Redhawks to regional berths last year and in 2006.

Despite not qualifying the entire squad, Southeast will have four individuals compete at the South Central Regional on April 4 in Fayetteville, Ark.

Senior Sandra Blake and junior Rikara Turner qualified in the all-around, sophomore Christina Sundgren made it on bars and sophomore Brianna Gaddie made it on floor.

"We are excited to tie our [program] record of individuals moving on," Farden said. "These athletes were exceptional during their season and have a chance to move onto the NCAA finals."